Energy absorber for sensor protection
A vehicle includes: a bumper beam; an electronic sensor that is fixed in relation to the bumper beam; and an energy absorber that is connected to the bumper beam in general alignment with the electronic sensor. The energy absorber is configured and positioned to protect the electronic sensor and reduce dislocation of the electronic sensor by absorbing energy resulting from a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object (e.g., another vehicle). The energy absorber may be provided in the front and/or rear-ends of the vehicle, and, in certain embodiments, may be connected to an end face of the bumper beam (e.g., to a front face or a rear face of the bumper beam) such that the energy absorber is positioned outwardly (e.g., forwardly or rearwardly) of the electronic sensor along a length of the vehicle.
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The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles, and, more specifically, to energy absorbers that are positioned to mitigate damage to, and/or dislocation of, one or more sensors in vehicles.
BACKGROUNDMany vehicles include one or more sensors (e.g., radar sensors, emergency braking sensors, intelligent cruise control sensors, pedestrian sensors, etc.) located at the front-end and/or the rear-end of the vehicle. For example, such sensors are often mounted to, or otherwise associated with, the front and/or rear bumpers of the vehicle. During low-force impacts, these sensors can be damaged, dislocated, or otherwise disturbed. To address such issues, the present disclosure describes energy absorbers that are configured and positioned to absorb forces, shock, etc. that might otherwise be communicated to the sensors and/or the sensor mounts.
SUMMARYIn one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed that includes: a bumper beam; an electronic sensor that is fixed in relation to the bumper beam; and an energy absorber that is connected to the bumper beam in general alignment with the electronic sensor. The energy absorber is configured and positioned to protect the electronic sensor and reduce dislocation of the electronic sensor by absorbing energy resulting from a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object.
In certain embodiments, the energy absorber is connected to an end face of the bumper beam (e.g., a front face or a rear face of the bumper beam) such that the energy absorber is positioned outwardly (e.g., forwardly or rearwardly) of the electronic sensor.
In certain embodiments, the electronic sensor and the energy absorber may each define a width that extends in generally parallel relation to the bumper beam, wherein the width of the energy absorber is greater than or equal to the width of the electronic sensor.
In certain embodiments, the energy absorber may include a foam having a density greater than 10 pcf.
In certain embodiments, the energy absorber may include at least one brace that is configured for contact with the bumper beam to vertically support the energy absorber.
In certain embodiments, the energy absorber may include a body having a non-uniform cross-sectional configuration.
In certain embodiments, the body of the energy absorber may include a generally L-shaped (non-uniform) cross-sectional configuration.
In certain embodiments, the energy absorber may be configured as a bracket. In such embodiments, the bracket may include a first end wall, a pair of side walls that extend from the first end wall, and an open interior region to allow for deformation of the energy absorber during the low-force impact.
In certain embodiments, the bracket may further include a second end wall that connects the side walls. In such embodiments, the second end wall may include a mounting structure to facilitate connection of the bracket to the bumper beam.
In certain embodiments, the bracket may further include a pair of flanges that extend from the side walls. In such embodiments, the flanges may be oriented in generally parallel relation to the first end wall and may each include a mounting structure to facilitate connection of the bracket to the bumper beam.
In certain embodiments, the energy absorber may include a first absorption member and a second absorption member that is connected to the first absorption member. In such embodiments, the first absorption member may include (e.g., may be formed from) a first material, and the second absorption member may include (e.g., may be formed from) a second material that is different from the first material. For example, the first material may be metallic, and the second material may include a foam.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed that includes a bumper beam; an electronic sensor that is fixed in relation to the bumper beam; and an energy absorber that is connected to an end face of the bumper beam (e.g., a front face or a rear face of the bumper beam) such that the energy absorber is positioned outwardly (e.g., forwardly or rearwardly) of the electronic sensor along a length of the vehicle and in general alignment with the electronic sensor. The energy absorber includes a foam body that is configured and positioned to absorb energy during a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object to protect the electronic sensor and reduce dislocation of the electronic sensor.
In certain embodiments, the electronic sensor and the energy absorber may be centrally positioned in relation to the bumper beam.
In certain embodiments, the electronic sensor and the energy absorber may each define a width that extends in generally parallel relation to the bumper beam, wherein the width of the energy absorber is greater than or equal to the width of the electronic sensor.
In certain embodiments, the foam body may include an expanded polypropylene foam having a density greater than 10 pcf.
In certain embodiments, the foam body may include a generally L-shaped (non-uniform) cross-sectional configuration.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is disclosed for protecting an electronic sensor in a vehicle during a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object. The method includes securing an energy absorber to a bumper beam of the vehicle such that the energy absorber is positioned outwardly of the electronic sensor and in general alignment with the electronic sensor, wherein the energy absorber defines a width extending in generally parallel relation to the bumper beam that is greater than or equal to a width of the electronic sensor.
In certain embodiments, securing the energy absorber to the bumper beam may include positioning a foam body of the energy absorber vertically below the electronic sensor.
In certain embodiments, securing the energy absorber to the bumper beam may include connecting a bracket to the bumper beam. In such embodiments, the bracket may include an open interior region to allow for deformation of the bracket during the low-force impact.
According to common practice, the various features of the drawings may not be to scale and may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of energy absorbers for use with vehicles to absorb forces, shock, etc., during low-force impacts with external objects, such as other vehicles, structures, etc., which may range from 2 mph to 5 mph (or more) depending upon the size, weight, and configuration of the external object(s). The presently disclosed energy absorber may be positioned in the front-end and/or the rear-end of a vehicle (e.g., on an end face of the front and/or rear bumper beam) and are in general lateral alignment with the sensor(s) (i.e., along the width of the vehicle). The energy absorber may include (e.g., may be formed from) any suitable materials or combination of materials, including, for example, metallic materials (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.) and/or non-metallic materials (e.g., foam), and may be secured (e.g., to the bumper beam(s)) in any suitable manner, such as, for example, through the use of mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, pins, clips, bolts, etc.), welds, adhesive(s), etc. Depending upon the particular application and the particular vehicle in which the energy absorber is employed, the configuration of the energy absorber may be varied. For example, the energy absorber may include a uniform, generally polygonal (e.g., rectangular or square) cross-sectional configuration, or the energy absorber may include a more complex, non-uniform cross-sectional configuration. For example, the energy absorber may include a generally L-shaped cross-sectional configuration, or the energy absorber may be configured as a bracket defining an open interior region to allow for deformation of the energy absorber during low-force impacts, and, thus, the absorption of energy.
The energy absorber 100 is fixed in relation to the bumper beam 10, and may be secured thereto, either directly or indirectly (i.e., via an intervening structure), using any suitable mechanism, structure, element, or combination thereof. For example, in the embodiment seen in
The energy absorber 100 includes a housing 102 with opposite ends 104, 106 defining lateral supports 108, 110 having apertures 112 that are configured to receive mechanical fasteners 114 (e.g., screws, rivets, pins, clips, bolts, etc.) that are insertable into corresponding openings 20 formed in the bumper beam 10, either fixedly or removably. Additionally, or alternatively, it is envisioned that the energy absorber 100 and the bumper beam 10 may include corresponding engagement members or surfaces (e.g., snaps, clips, hooks, etc.) that facilitate connection of the energy absorber 100 to the bumper beam 10, such as, for example, in a snap-fit or interference-fit arrangement.
As seen in
The energy absorber 100 may include (e.g., may be formed from) any material or combination of materials suitable for the intended purpose of absorbing forces that may be otherwise communicated to the electronic sensor 12 during a low-force impact with the vehicle V, as discussed in further detail below. For example, in the embodiment seen in
With continued reference to
With reference now to
In the particular embodiment of the energy absorber 200 shown in
The wing(s) 218 extend beyond a (rear) end face 222 (
The energy absorber 200 may also include an additional support member 230 (
It is envisioned that the body 316 of the energy absorber 300 may be entirely formed from the aforementioned foam (e.g., expanded polypropylene) such that the energy absorber 300 is uniform in construction. Alternatively, however, it is envisioned that the energy absorber 300 may be non-uniform in construction and that the sections 338, 340 may include (e.g., may be formed from), different materials. For example, it is envisioned that the front section 340 may be formed from a foam having a first density and that the rear section 338 may be formed from a foam having a second, different density (i.e., greater than or less than that of the front section 340).
Although shown and described as being devoid of a housing, in certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the energy absorber 300 may further include such a housing (similar to the housings 102, 202 discussed above in connection with the energy absorbers 100, 200, respectively) to accommodate the body 316.
With reference now to
The bracket 542 includes a front (first) end wall 544, a pair of side walls 546i, 546ii that extend from the front end wall 544 at angles αi, αii, respectively, and flanges 548i, 548ii that extend from the side walls 546i, 546ii, respectively, in generally parallel relation to the front end wall 544. To facilitate connection of the energy absorber 500 to the bumper beam 10, the flanges 548i, 548ii may include engagement structures 550i, 550ii, respectively, which, in the illustrated embodiment, include a series of apertures 552 that are configured to receive one or more mechanical fasteners 554 (e.g., screws, rivets, pins, clips, bolts, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, it is envisioned that the bracket 542 (e.g., the flanges 548i, 548ii) may be welded or adhesively secured to the bumper beam 10, or that the flanges 548i, 548ii may be configured and dimensioned for receipt within corresponding openings, slits, brackets, or other such structure included on (or formed in) the bumper beam 10. For example, it is envisioned that the bumper beam 10 may define pockets or the like into which the flanges 548i, 548ii may be inserted (e.g., from above).
The bracket 542 defines an open interior region 556 between the side walls 546i, 546ii that is positioned in general alignment with the electronic sensor 12 in a manner consistent with the discussion above regarding the energy absorber 100 (
Although the bracket 542 is configured such that the front end walls 544 and the side walls 546i, 546ii define equivalent thicknesses T in the embodiment seen in
As discussed above in connection with the energy absorber 500, the bracket 642 defines an open interior region 656 that is positioned in general alignment with the electronic sensor 12 to allow the energy absorber 600 to flex and/or deform to thereby absorb the force F (
To facilitate connection of the energy absorber 600 to the bumper beam 10, the energy absorber 600 includes one or more engagement structures 650. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the engagement structures 650 include a series of apertures 652 formed in the end walls 644, 658 that are configured to receive one or more mechanical fasteners 654 (e.g., screws, rivets, pins, clips, bolts, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, it is envisioned that the bracket 642 may be welded or adhesively secured to the bumper beam 10, or that the bracket 642 may include one or more attachment members (e.g., hooks or the like) that are configured for engagement with corresponding receipt structures (e.g. eyelets, openings, or the like) included on (or formed in) the bumper beam 10.
Although the end walls 644, 658 and the side walls 646i, 646ii are illustrated as defining an equivalent (uniform) thicknesses T in the embodiment seen in
In the illustrated embodiment, the absorption members 760A, 760B each include a uniform, generally polygonal (e.g., rectangular or square) cross-sectional configuration. More specifically, the absorption member 760A defines a width WA, a length LA, and a height HA, and the absorption member 760B defines a width WB, a length LB, and a height HB, wherein the width WA is less than the width WB, the length LA is greater than the length LB, and the height HA is less than the height HB. Given the disparity in dimensions between the absorption members 760A, 760B, the absorption capabilities of the absorption member 760A differ from those of the absorption member 760B. It should be appreciated, however, that, in alternate embodiments, the particular configuration and dimensions of the absorption members 760A, 760B may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, depending upon the configuration of the bumper beam 10, spatial requirements, packaging concerns, etc., it is envisioned that the absorption members 760A, 760B may be identical in configuration and dimensions, or that one or more of the absorption members 760A, 760B may include an irregular cross-sectional configuration (e.g., an L-shaped configuration, as discussed above in connection with the energy absorber 300 seen in
In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the absorption members 760A, 760B may include (e.g., may be formed from) the same material, which may include any suitable metallic materials (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.) and/or non-metallic materials (e.g., foam, polymeric materials, plastic materials, etc.), either individually or in combination. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the absorption members 760A, 760B may include different materials. For example, in the particular embodiment seen in
In various embodiments of the disclosure, to vary the absorption capabilities of the energy absorber 700, it is envisioned that the absorption members 760A, 760B may be either solid in construction, or that the absorption members 760A, 760B may define open interior spaces or cavities. For example, it is envisioned that either or both of the absorption members 760A, 760B may include an internal honeycomb structure.
The upper portion 862A includes a rear (first) end wall 866A and a front (second) end wall 868A, which extend in generally parallel relation to the front end face 18 of the bumper beam 10 (e.g., to the forward-most vertical surface thereof). The lower portion 862B includes a front end wall 868B, and is connected to the upper portion 862A by the bridge portion 864. Although the bridge portion 864 is shown as extending from the upper portion 862A at an obtuse angle β (
As discussed above in connection with the preceding embodiments, the energy absorber 800 may be formed from any suitable metallic or non-metallic materials, either exclusively or in combination. For example, in the embodiment seen in
To further enhance the absorption capabilities of the energy absorber 800, it is envisioned that the energy absorber 800 may include one or more supplemental absorption members 870. In the embodiment illustrated in
The energy absorber 800 may be secured or otherwise connected to the front-end of the vehicle Vi (e.g., to the bumper beam 10 and/or the body component 26) in any manner described hereinabove in connection with the preceding embodiments. For example, the energy absorber 800 may be adhesively secured to the bumper beam 10 and/or the body component 26. Additionally, or alternatively, an attachment member 872 may be utilized to connect the energy absorber 800 to the vehicle Vi. In the embodiment seen in
Although shown as being generally planar in the embodiment seen in
Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments of the disclosure described herein and shown in the accompanying figures constitute non-limiting examples, and that additional components and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussed hereinabove without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, persons skilled in the art will understand that the elements and features shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and will appreciate further features and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter based on the description provided. Variations, combinations, and/or modifications to any of the embodiments and/or features of the embodiments described herein that are within the abilities of a person having ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the disclosure, as are alternative embodiments that may result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features from any of the disclosed embodiments. For example, although generally discussed in the context of the front-end of the vehicle V (
Use of broader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having” should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as “consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprised substantially of.” Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow and includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.
In the preceding description, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between the various structures illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and to the spatial orientation of the structures. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of this disclosure, the structures described herein may be positioned and oriented in any manner suitable for their intended purpose. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “left,” “right,” “upward,” “downward,” “inward,” “outward,” etc., should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the structures and/or a spatial orientation of the structures. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the use of such terms may be provided in the context of the illustrations provided by the corresponding figure(s).
Additionally, terms such as “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and the like should be understood to allow for variations in any numerical range or concept with which they are associated. For example, it is intended that the use of terms such as “approximately” and “generally” should be understood to encompass variations on the order of 25%, or to allow for manufacturing tolerances and/or deviations in design.
Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and represents embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “A and/or B and/or C” should each be interpreted to include only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.
Claims
1. A vehicle, comprising:
- a bumper assembly including an end face and opposing sidewalls extending axially forward from the end face along a length of the vehicle such that the end face and the sidewalls collectively define an upwardly facing opening;
- an electronic sensor fixed in relation to the bumper assembly; and
- an energy absorber located in the upwardly facing opening defined by the bumper assembly and connected to the end face of the bumper assembly in general alignment with the electronic sensor, the energy absorber being configured and positioned to protect the electronic sensor and reduce dislocation of the electronic sensor by absorbing energy resulting from a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber is connected to an end face of the bumper assembly such that the energy absorber is positioned outwardly of the electronic sensor.
3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the electronic sensor and the energy absorber each define a width extending in generally parallel relation to the bumper assembly, the width of the energy absorber being greater than or equal to the width of the electronic sensor.
4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber includes a foam having a density greater than 10 pcf.
5. A vehicle, comprising:
- a bumper assembly defining an end face and sidewalls defining an upwardly facing opening;
- an electronic sensor fixed in relation to the bumper assembly; and
- an energy absorber connected to the end face of the bumper assembly within the upwardly facing opening such that the energy absorber is positioned outwardly of and vertically below the electronic sensor along a length of the vehicle such that the energy absorber and the electronic sensor are spaced vertically from each other, the energy absorber being positioned in general alignment with the electronic sensor and including a foam body configured and positioned to absorb energy during a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object to protect the electronic sensor and reduce dislocation of the electronic sensor.
6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the electronic sensor and the energy absorber each define a width extending in generally parallel relation to the bumper assembly, the width of the energy absorber being greater than or equal to the width of the electronic sensor.
7. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the foam body includes an expanded polypropylene foam having a density greater than 10 pcf.
8. A method of protecting an electronic sensor in a vehicle during a low-force impact between the vehicle and an external object, the method comprising:
- securing an energy absorber to an end face of a bumper assembly of the vehicle such that the energy absorber is positioned outwardly of the electronic sensor and in general alignment with the electronic sensor within an upwardly facing opening defined by the end face and opposing sidewalls extending forwardly from the end face, the energy absorber defining a width extending in generally parallel relation to the bumper assembly greater than or equal to a width of the electronic sensor.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein securing the energy absorber to the bumper assembly includes positioning a foam body of the energy absorber vertically below the electronic sensor.
10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the bumper assembly includes a vertical portion and a horizontal portion extending forwardly from the vertical portion such that the bumper assembly includes a generally L-shaped vertical cross-sectional configuration.
11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber is positioned eccentrically relative to the bumper assembly.
12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the bumper assembly and the energy absorber are configured such that a first lateral end of the bumper assembly and a corresponding first lateral end of the energy absorber define a first distance therebetween and second lateral end of the bumper assembly and a corresponding second lateral end of the energy absorber define a second distance therebetween greater than the first distance.
13. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber includes a housing defining lateral supports with apertures configured to receive mechanical fasteners to thereby secure the energy absorber to the bumper assembly.
14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the housing defines a first lateral support and a second lateral support vertically offset from the first lateral support.
15. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the bumper assembly includes a generally L-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
16. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the energy absorber is positioned eccentrically relative to the bumper assembly.
17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the bumper assembly and the energy absorber are configured such that a first lateral end of the bumper assembly and a corresponding first lateral end of the energy absorber define a first distance therebetween and second lateral end of the bumper assembly and a corresponding second lateral end of the energy absorber define a second distance therebetween greater than the first distance.
18. The method of claim 8, wherein securing the energy absorber includes securing the energy absorber to a vertical portion of the bumper assembly such that a horizontal portion of the bumper assembly extends forwardly of the energy absorber.
19. The method of claim 8, wherein securing the energy absorber includes positioning the energy absorber eccentrically relative to the bumper assembly.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein positioning the energy absorber eccentrically relative to the bumper assembly includes positioning the energy absorber such that a first lateral end of the bumper assembly and a corresponding first lateral end of the energy absorber define a first distance therebetween and second lateral end of the bumper assembly and a corresponding second lateral end of the energy absorber define a second distance therebetween greater than the first distance.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Nov 30, 2018
Date of Patent: Dec 1, 2020
Patent Publication Number: 20200172035
Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc. (Franklin, TN)
Inventors: Md Hafizur Rahman (Troy, MI), Omar Fernando Carrillo Fernandez (Toluca)
Primary Examiner: Dennis H Pedder
Application Number: 16/205,802
International Classification: B60R 19/48 (20060101); B60R 19/18 (20060101); B60R 19/24 (20060101);